Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
06 Feb 2016 10:11 AM |
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Any input on metal detectors would be great. I am looking at buying one this year (this is the wife) I've been looking at the Garrett AT Gold, any opinions on it? Any others I should be looking at in the same price range? We are looking at spending about $700-$800 on one. I want one that will find gold! I know they won't find the fine stuff, but we have nuggets to use with it to learn what the sound on the detector is for gold. Thanks for any help.
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JIM SHANNONHighbanker Posts:105
06 Feb 2016 10:48 AM |
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Being a Garrett dealer of course I will tell you the AT Gold is the perfect unit for your price range http://www.ebay.com/itm/G...ash=item419868314e:gpsAAOSwEeFVCijs but it really is a good detector and very user friendly
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JIM SHANNONHighbanker Posts:105
06 Feb 2016 10:54 AM |
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I don't think that will be the UPS girl that will deliver your detector. lol
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Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
06 Feb 2016 10:59 AM |
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LOL Hubby wouldn't mind her delivering it!! I'd get my detector and he'd get some eye candy!
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Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
06 Feb 2016 11:01 AM |
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Posted By <a href='http://www.goldprospectors.org/Profile/userid/2865276' class='af-profile-link'>JIM SHANNON</a> on 06 Feb 2016 10:48 AM Being a Garrett dealer of course I will tell you the AT Gold is the perfect unit for your price range http://www.ebay.com/itm/G...m419868314e:g<img src='http://www.goldprospectors.org/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_gpaa//emoticons/tongue.gif' align="absmiddle" border="0" class="afEmoticon" />psAAOSwEeFVCijs but it really is a good detector and very user friendly At least you're honest about it! Leaning towards the AT Gold, just seeing if there is anything else comparable but maybe a little cheaper!
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ARTHUR WAUGHAdvanced Member Posts:967
06 Feb 2016 11:14 AM |
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When we bought ours, we were looking at the Tesoro Lobo and the White MXT. Ended up with the Mxt because of the three function setup and that the plant was 12 miles away. Supposedly doesn't give up too much on gold for the other functions, but not much nugget shooting in my area. Fisher Gold Bug and GBII are probably worth a look as well along with Whites GMT and the new MXT Sport (waterproof version).
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Kenneth SwinefordNew Member Posts:33
06 Feb 2016 01:34 PM |
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Something to consider with the Garrett AT Gold is that it is water proof. Garrett makes good solid detectors.
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Tim LeibelBuzzard Posts:608
06 Feb 2016 04:46 PM |
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Mike, here is the advice I gave distilled from some wise old Masters in metal detecting. 1) if at all possible visit a reputable dealer that will let you handle them and ask you the right questions like where are you going to use it. Detecting for relics in fields in the southeast is a lot different than nugget hunting there which is a whole world different from nugget hunting the southwest. Second buy the best model for what are going to use it for your budget will allow. Make sure the dealer is willing to spend time with you to learn to tune it and get used to how it sounds. THe key to detecting is hearing the target. I am told gold has a different tone than iron, I have not had that experience yet. So telling you to buy a ATGold or an MXT without knowing where and for what you are going to use it for does not help you. You want to use it a lot after investing in it. Not just once.
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ARTHUR WAUGHAdvanced Member Posts:967
07 Feb 2016 07:38 AM |
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Tim's advise is spot on, and he put it better than I could.
I just tossed out some other models that are in about the same price range and capabilites. Ultimately it is up to you to decide what fits best in your area and use planned for it.
We chose ours for the other abilities with gold as a side benefit because of our area, and our abilities, and never going to get to areas where you have a good chance to nugget shoot.
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Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
07 Feb 2016 07:59 AM |
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Thanks for the information guys. Yeah, we are in Colorado and plan to use the detector here, Arizona and California. The closest dealer in down in Golden Colorado. Guess it's a learning thing for sure. Being the wife, I need one a little on the lighter side also lol
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MARC ANDERSONGreenhorn Posts:12
19 Feb 2016 12:56 PM |
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I would say for that price range the Garrett AT Gold or Fisher Gold Bug II. I have the AT Gold and used a friends GB II and they both worked well in AZ.
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Jim LockeBasic Member Posts:131
19 Feb 2016 04:26 PM |
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Here is just my "two cents" thrown in..... I (we) just purchased a new Makro Gold Racer for the wife. She is very happy with it. They are priced at or below your price-point. It is light weight and it does find gold. Our fist outing with it was to Quartzsite, AZ last week. I had originally planned to buy a Fisher GB II for myself but when my lady mentioned she would like a detector also, I decided to get her's first. The Gold Racer has pretty simple ground balance procedure, etc... Maybe worth a look??? I believe they are made by the same outfit as Nokta Fors Gold (?) p.s. I am still on hold for mine but when the time comes, may decide to go with the Makro also. Time will tell. Best of luck and happy huntin' Jim
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MIKE AULTGreenhorn Posts:
14 Mar 2016 09:16 PM |
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I have a Gold Bug Pro. While I have yet to find any gold, I know it works very well. I've found the tiniest scraps of copper bullet jackets, and bullet fragments. I just have yet to find the elusive gold!
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Leo LorenzBasic Member Posts:486
15 Mar 2016 08:11 AM |
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I was wondering what kind of depth you get with your GB pro? I also have one, but most stuff I find like bullets or pieces seems to be mostly in the first inch. Have not found any gold with it, but thinking that there wont be gold in most surface areas unless it fell outta some ones pocket. Just wondering how large the gold would need to be in order to detect 8 inches down with a GB.?
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Don McElyeaBasic Member Posts:131
15 Mar 2016 09:30 AM |
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I have both the Garrett AT Gold and the Fisher Gold Bug. Both come with small coils. I am not the voice of experience for sure. The larger the coil the deeper the target can be found. The Gold Bug comes with a very small coil and the Garrett comes with one somewhat larger. I definitely would like to have larger coils on these for the deeper targets.
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Leo LorenzBasic Member Posts:486
15 Mar 2016 10:57 AM |
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Do you have the round coil? I took mine off and replaced it with the elliptical coil and it is a bit larger than the stock round coil on the GB
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KEVIN HOAGLANDBasic Member Posts:357
16 Mar 2016 05:35 PM |
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Mike,
Lets slow it down just a bit. There are a few questions that need to be asked and answered before you go out and make an investment in any detector.
- Is this your first detector?
- Where will most of your detecting be done (area state desert so on)
- How is your hearing
- How long have you been prospecting
- Finally what are your expectations from a metal detector.
I know it sounds like a laundry list but each question offers me a bit of insight into how you are going to end up detecting and how to recommend a couple of detectors that meet your needs and wants.
You mentioned using a nugget to get used to the sound, Please do not do that. Gold in the hand is different than gold that has been in the ground for millions of years. Halo's, ground minerals and dozens of other "things" will have you walking over good targets if you are just listening for that one sound.You do not need VDI's VCO's and every thing under the sink. To find gold you have to have a detector that will ground balance and punch through highly mineralized ground, has a fine tuning of the sensitivity, a solid threshold circuity and a headphone jack. after that it is up to you to swing it over gold.
Here to help you in any way I can.
Regards,
Kevin
Any input on metal detectors would be great. I am looking at buying one this year (this is the wife) I've been looking at the Garrett AT Gold, any opinions on it? Any others I should be looking at in the same price range? We are looking at spending about $700-$800 on one. I want one that will find gold! I know they won't find the fine stuff, but we have nuggets to use with it to learn what the sound on the detector is for gold. Thanks for any help.
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Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
18 Mar 2016 06:07 PM |
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Posted By <a href='http://www.goldprospectors.org/Profile/userid/2861981' class='af-profile-link'>KEVIN HOAGLAND</a> on 16 Mar 2016 05:35 PM <p> </p> <p>Mike, </p> <p>Lets slow it down just a bit. There are a few questions that need to be asked and answered before you go out and make an investment in any detector. </p> <ul> <li>Is this your first detector? </li> <li>Where will most of your detecting be done (area state desert so on) </li> <li>How is your hearing</li> <li>How long have you been prospecting </li> <li>Finally what are your expectations from a metal detector. </li> </ul> <p>I know it sounds like a laundry list but each question offers me a bit of insight into how you are going to end up detecting and how to recommend a couple of detectors that meet your needs and wants. </p> <p>You mentioned using a nugget to get used to the sound, Please do not do that. Gold in the hand is different than gold that has been in the ground for millions of years. Halo's, ground minerals and dozens of other "things" will have you walking over good targets if you are just listening for that one sound.You do not need VDI's VCO's and every thing under the sink. To find gold you have to have a detector that will ground balance and punch through highly mineralized ground, has a fine tuning of the sensitivity, a solid threshold circuity and a headphone jack. after that it is up to you to swing it over gold. </p> <p>Here to help you in any way I can. </p> <p>Regards, </p> <p>Kevin </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Any input on metal detectors would be great. I am looking at buying one this year (this is the wife) I've been looking at the Garrett AT Gold, any opinions on it? Any others I should be looking at in the same price range? We are looking at spending about $700-$800 on one. I want one that will find gold! I know they won't find the fine stuff, but we have nuggets to use with it to learn what the sound on the detector is for gold. Thanks for any help. Thanks for the help Kevin. This is Betty, the wife, I'm the one who is getting the medal detector. Is this your first detector? Yes it is Where will most of your detecting be done (area state desert so on) How is your hearing : My hearing is good, planned on using earphones as needed How long have you been prospecting : We have been prospecting for years, sluice and pans Finally what are your expectations from a metal detector. I know they won't find fine gold, mainly looking for nuggets (I know that's luck also!) (or Jewelry like in parks during down time) We live in Northern Colorado and plan on using it around Boulders on dry land and in water. Also plan on making trips to Calif and Arizona and using it on dry land and in creeks/rivers. So I want one that is water proof, but I won't be diving with it lol If I could get something for less then $500 , we'd be happy! I was looking at the Garrett AT gold, it runs about $700 Thanks, Betty
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David SaundersGreenhorn Posts:13
18 Mar 2016 06:26 PM |
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Look on Craig's list for used detector around $500.00 and I would try to find a Gold Bug or a Whites Gold master. I would stay away from the AT gold tried it and don't like it.
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KEVIN HOAGLANDBasic Member Posts:357
21 Mar 2016 08:50 PM |
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Betty, The AT Gold set up properly is a great detector with just a few limitations in highly mineralized ground. As your first detector it is a good choice but I would also like for you to look at the Gold Bug Pro and the Minelab Xterra 705. The 705 new is a little out of the pricing you were mentioning but it is a detector to grow into over growing out of. Since you do know about gold it does make a difference in the sense that I feel like you will go to areas that you know are the right areas over swinging for dollars in unproductive spots. Headphones are a must at all times. Another Detector I will toss into the mix is the Minelab Eureka Gold. You might be able to find a good used one in the $600-$700 range. I'm at Stanton in the middle of an outing give me a few days and I will expand on my thoughts and questions in more detail.
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john McGrathGreenhorn Posts:
23 Mar 2016 07:00 AM |
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Right now there are VERY good deals on the Minelab xterra 705 Gold or standard edition I would jump on that. I have a 705, Mxt and the new Gold Racer. You can't beat the price on the 705 right now. Check amazon and others you can get for under 600.
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KEVIN HOAGLANDBasic Member Posts:357
23 Mar 2016 09:14 AM |
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John,
Thank you for posting this information. $600.00 pricing on the Xterra Gold is an excellent value and well off of the standard retail of the unit.
Right now there are VERY good deals on the Minelab xterra 705 Gold or standard edition I would jump on that. I have a 705, Mxt and the new Gold Racer. You can't beat the price on the 705 right now. Check amazon and others you can get for under 600.
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Mike HarrisonGreenhorn Posts:11
23 Mar 2016 09:20 AM |
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The only problem I see with the Minelab is it isn't waterproof. I'm looking for one I can use in creeks/rivers and dry land. Great prices on the minelab though.
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ARTHUR WAUGHAdvanced Member Posts:967
23 Mar 2016 12:23 PM |
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I don't know about Minelab, but most coils and cables are waterproof. You just don't want to get the control/brain box any wetter than say a passing light shower. The waterproof ones are built to be totally submerged to whatever depth the maker states.
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RORY ROMEROGreenhorn Posts:
19 Apr 2016 04:39 PM |
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I've had a Minelab Eureka for the last 5 or 6 years. I haven't taken it out as much as I would like; but when I have, all I have found are bullet casings, pieces of wire, and nails. No Gold! From what I've read, I should be digging faint signals and breaks in the threshhold. I've only used the detector in the Mojave desert, never near water. As I am going to be going to Italian Bar, I'm thinking of getting the Coiltek Goldseeker coil. Does anyone have any feedback on these subjects?
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KEVIN HOAGLANDBasic Member Posts:357
21 Apr 2016 09:47 AM |
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Posted By Mike Harrison on 23 Mar 2016 09:20 AM
The only problem I see with the Minelab is it isn't waterproof. I'm looking for one I can use in creeks/rivers and dry land. Great prices on the minelab though.
Mike,
The standard DD (gold) coil is not water proof BUT the 6in round 18.75kHz coil is a sealed and waterproof coil for the Minelab Xterra 705. It is a coil that I would suggest that anyone with a 705 have in the bag.
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KEVIN HOAGLANDBasic Member Posts:357
21 Apr 2016 09:52 AM |
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Posted By RORY ROMERO on 19 Apr 2016 04:39 PM
I've had a Minelab Eureka for the last 5 or 6 years. I haven't taken it out as much as I would like; but when I have, all I have found are bullet casings, pieces of wire, and nails. No Gold! From what I've read, I should be digging faint signals and breaks in the threshhold. I've only used the detector in the Mojave desert, never near water. As I am going to be going to Italian Bar, I'm thinking of getting the Coiltek Goldseeker coil. Does anyone have any feedback on these subjects?
Rory,
If you are hitting targets especially small pieces of lead (bullet fragments) then you are either not swinging it over gold or you are not hearing the small bumps in the Threshold. If you haven't seen the video on the Eureka Gold it might help a bit. http://www.minelabowners....d-eureka-gold/
Let me know if this helps.
Kevin
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RORY ROMEROGreenhorn Posts:
21 Apr 2016 01:20 PM |
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Thanks, Kevin. I had seen that video but it's certainly helpful to see it again. I think I just have to get into the habit of digging every target I get; I'll have to dig a lot of garbage to find a nugget. If it were easy, I guess everyone would do it.
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Travis NixGreenhorn Posts:
01 May 2016 07:59 AM |
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I really enjoy my Garrett AT gold. every time I go out I find it easier and easier to use, and the features it has makes it pleasant to use in the highly mineralized soils of northern Nevada
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JIM SHANNONHighbanker Posts:105
01 May 2016 10:37 AM |
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Your correct about the Garrett AT Gold, very user friendly
jim
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Tim LeibelBuzzard Posts:608
01 May 2016 12:25 PM |
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I love mine. I no longer even have to think about setting it. I balance it swing balance, swing and so on for hours without even thinking about it. Took long hours of using it but it has become muscle memory.
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Terry WolfordGreenhorn Posts:4
28 May 2016 05:07 PM |
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I was replying to the post about the Eureka Gold detector and Coiltk and assumed my reply would post with his question but apparently it didn't on this forum?
I am new to this Forum but I also have a Eureka Gold. I have the stock coil and just bought a 8" Minelab GoldSearch coil and a 15" round Coiltek Coil. I think it's also sometimes referred to as the WOT coil. Coiltek also makes a 6" round coil. All of the coils for the Eureka are DD coils. I don't think the 6" coilteck would act a lot different than the stock coil but then again with it being DD it could be a tad more sensitive to fine gold. Minelab also makes a 12" round coil for the Eureka but it hard to find in the US. The 15" CoilteK Goldseeker (WOT) goes much deeper than the stock coil and some say is near as sensitive. Follow this thread for more info: http://www.detectorprospe...minelab-eureka-gold/
Terry
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Terry WolfordGreenhorn Posts:4
28 May 2016 07:18 PM |
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Posted By Mike Harrison on 23 Mar 2016 09:20 AM
The only problem I see with the Minelab is it isn't waterproof. I'm looking for one I can use in creeks/rivers and dry land. Great prices on the minelab though.
The only waterproof Gold Detectors I know of are the AT Gold, The ATX and the Minelab SDC2300. The only one in the 700 dollar price range is the AT gold.
Plenty of other Gold detectors have waterproof coils though but you dunk the control box in the water it's likely a dead detector.
Terry
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